ART 181 Lecture 2: Chapter 2- The Ancient Near East
Document Summary
Individual kings for individual cities : warfare is desired and expected in this system. The epic of gilgamesh: 2nd millennium bc, gilgamesh is searching for immortality interacts with gods and decides morality is a way of life, this epic provides insight into the current culture. If you see a god ~ you should be scared: reinforces idea of damaging religion. Cuneiform writing stylus: stone, bone, or clay, write into wet clay symbols dry/harden, see powerpoint for visuals of writing. White temple and ziggurat: urak, iraq, ca. ** ziggurat provides a sense of balance between religion and state** Only priest class could enter ziggurat: priests would make offerings and ask for guidance/permission, return with a message from the gods", king is advised to listen. If he does not and he proves the priest/god"s message wrong doubt it found within the priest and he is likely replaced. Patron/moon/love/warfare goddess of urak: ancestor of aphrodite, urak, iraq, ca.
